Monthly Archives: January 2024

The California State Employees Food Drive, led by CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork, resulted in California state agencies donating 11,604 pounds of food, $89,089 in monetary donations, 784 turkeys, 461 Run to Feed the Hungry registrations (money goes to food banks), and 706 volunteer hours. “We’re proud to announce that California state employees are continuing to raise food, funds …

From a California Water Commission News Release The California Water Commission has approved a white paper that contains potential strategies to protect communities and fish and wildlife in the event of drought. The white paper is in support of Water Resilience Portfolio Action 26.3, and will be shared with the Secretaries for Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and Food and Agriculture, …

The USDA is now accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers maximize the value of their products and venture into new and better markets. The USDA is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program. The grants help farmers and ranchers generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase their incomes through value-added activities. Eligible applicants include …

Story from Morning Ag Clips For decades, urban farms and community gardens have helped meet demand for fresh and local produce. Urban farming creatively utilizes limited space, conserves land and transforms vacant lots or buildings into productive greenspaces. Farming in cities can be a rewarding way for communities to grow healthy food while receiving a wide range of other interrelated …

This is National Milk Day in the US, and in recognition of that, here’s a video produced by the Food and Drug Administration noting that 100 years have passed since the establishment of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO). In connection with the ordinance, CDFA’s Milk and Dairy Food Safety Branch has maintained active participation in the National Conference on Interstate …

Opinion piece by Kelsey Nederveld and Patrick Mulvaney *Note – the Sacramento City Unified School District received $376,500 in 2021 and $466,570 in 2022 through CDFA’s California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program to source local produce and help students identify and cook with the produce. Stay tuned for the next round of CDFA farm to school funding opening soon! …

By CDFA Secretary Karen Ross This was an especially notable year for the Cal Poly Universities at the Rose Parade — the 75th anniversary of their first float entry! It is always a treat to be a part of the festivities in Pasadena leading up to the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.  In the past, this was a tradition …